The U.S. Justice Department filed a lawsuit Thursday against Uber, accusing the ride-hailing company of violating federal law and repeatedly refusing service to passengers with disabilities.
The Justice Department’s civil rights division says the company and its drivers “routinely refuse to serve individuals with disabilities, including individuals who travel with service animals or who use foldable wheelchairs.” Uber is also accused of charging extra fees to riders who need special accommodations, including cancellation fees when service is denied. According to the DOJ, these practices violate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The complaint also alleges the company failed to accommodate passengers who need reasonable adjustments, such as allowing more time for boarding or seating. It further states some drivers allegedly “insult and demean persons with disabilities or ask them inappropriate questions.”
The DOJ is seeking an injunction to end practices that violate the ADA, reforms to Uber’s business policies and training, and monetary damages and civil penalties to compensate those harmed.
“Despite the importance of its services to persons with disabilities, the company denies persons with disabilities full and equal enjoyment of its services in several critical ways,” lawyers for the DOJ wrote. “Uber also refuses to reasonably modify its policies, practices, or procedures where necessary to avoid discriminating against riders with disabilities.” The DOJ argues these actions have caused “significant economic, emotional, and physical harm.”
Uber has long faced accusations of discrimination against passengers with disabilities. The DOJ sued the company in 2021 for overcharging such passengers. Uber reached a settlement in 2022, paying millions of dollars to more than 65,000 affected users. The company has also been hit with multiple personal lawsuits from passengers alleging similar discrimination and has faced public protests.
